Since his death last month, tributes for curry king Abdul Latif have flooded in from friends and customers. With a number of events planned to celebrate the life of the Lord of Harpole, SARA NICHOL takes a look some of the dozens of messages left on ChronicleLive.

FROM regular customers reflecting on happy times spent tucking in to top-class curries, to people thanking him for his endless charity work, all want to pay tribute.

Condolences and sympathy for Abdul Latif have poured in to our website.

Dave Storey, chairman of the Newcastle branch of the British Heart Foundation, left a message thanking Mr Latif for his help and support over the years that he lived in Newcastle.

He wrote: “Thanks for many fond memories. We will miss you. Our thoughts are with your family.

“From the Newcastle branch of the British Heart Foundation may we thank you for your support over a number of years.”

Tribute messages also flooded in from the curry legend’s Bangladeshi countrymen.

Mujibur Rahman Modu, from Newcastle Bangladesh Association, wrote: “I have known Lord Abdul Latif for a very long time. He was like a big brother to me.

“It was devastating news to hear of him departing this world and leaving us. He was a great activist; an ambassador to the Bangladeshi Community. He was an inspiration and a role model, not just to me but the entire Bangladeshi community in Newcastle. He will be deeply missed.

“He had many great attributes, some of which were his love for endless charity work, he was a very honest and kind man. He was always the first to start any fundraising campaign and was instrumental in this year’s NBA Lord Mayor’s Bangladesh Cyclone Appeal.

“We offer our condolences to his family, for they should be proud of his generosity and kindheartedness.”

Simon, from Cramlington, a frequent diner at Curry Capital, reflected on happy memories spent at the restaurant.

He said: “My deepest sympathy to all the family. My late work colleague, Brian, my wife and I spent many a happy occasion at the Rupali restaurant, where Mr Latif's generosity had no bounds.

“The curries we had were great. I was shocked to read the news of his passing, but will certainly remember Mr Latif, as I preferred to call him, with fond memories and affection.”

Another satisfied customer added: “For many years, myself and colleagues from Northumbria University – now long since retired – have been having a get-together every two months at The Rupali.

“Mr Latif always gave us a special welcome and liked to come and chat in a very informal and relaxed manner. He will certainly be missed and our sympathies go out to his family.”

Last weekend the Bangladeshi community organised an event at their Benwell community centre in memory of the colourful businessman, who worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and the North East.

An unofficial event at Newcastle Civic Centre to be attended by Lord Mayor Peter Arnold and senior councillors is due to go ahead next weekend.

Figures from the worlds of business, politics, the media and charity who were associated with Mr Latif are invited to the event on Sunday, March 2, as well as restaurant customers.

Speaking previously about Mr Latif, Deputy Council Leader David Faulkner said: “He was a remarkable man and was praised by people from many different walks of life.

“We felt people would like to come along to an occasion where they could pay tribute. Some of them will have their own amusing stories about him. The many charities he supported would also like to come along and say thank you.

“It’s a chance for people to say publicly how much they appreciate what he did for the community.”

The final word goes to John Thompson from Stanley whose message sums up the feelings of many: “Great memories of a great man. He was truly a part of Tyneside culture and proud to be so.”